Alternatives for housing in old age: knowing the experience in Portugal to innovate in institutional models appropriate to the Brazilian culture

Abstract

Brazil presents a growing demand for institutional housing to the elderly adapted to the dynamic changes in society. Being a recent phenomenon in this reality, the improvement depends on innovative proposals. The experience of Portugal, which maintains a culture similar to the Brazilian one and absorbs leading initiatives from other European countries, can offer significant results for the development of new models for collective residences, transforming positively this reality. This research proposal aims at the development of projects parameters for assisted housing to the elderly in Brazil. The main objective is the innovation and the creation of a new concept of enterprise, since we see the opening of new but still without significant changes in relation to what we know as a long-term care institution for older people. It also intends to prove that the design process, which includes the architectural conception of the place, depends on the correct perception of the needs and desires of the social actors involved in this social context. Knowing in depth the Portuguese experiences will serve as reflection and suggestion to propose compatible solutions with the needs of entrepreneurs, residents, family and collaborators, from desirable, viable and sustainable models. (AU)